what are the new trends in theatre (architecture and other aspects), and can you suggest new/uniqure theatre performances (ex. vitrual theatre) that will appeal to the general public (interest the non-theatre goers)?
2007-08-27 04:36:23 · 4 answers · asked by cccc 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
It is nearly impossible to get non theatre goers to become theatre goers. Dinner theatre has been the best recruiter of new audiences. Everyone likes a good meal.
2007-08-27 05:12:35 · answer #1 · answered by Theatre Doc 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm not sure about architecture, but of course there have always been the time honored traditions of taking a classic and updating it therefore changing the era of the show and the architecture of the set.
One running trend has been to get NAME actors in lead roles whether or not they can handle the role correctly. Some people will see the show because the actor is popular, not because they love theatre which I think has lead to thep artial lack of tact some audience members have these days.
Another has been to do a revival of an older show but change something, such as in Sweeney Todd where cast member played instruments. Some people liked it, others thought it distracting but people were curious enough to go.
Years ago there was a show called Tamara where you could choose which character to follow throughout the show. At the end of whichever scene you just witnessed you would choose the character you wanted to follow so that each time you went to the show you would see something different.
For non-theatre goers I think shows like Wicked that have a tie-in to classic and beloved films and/or stories like the Wizard of Oz have done very well at getting droves of people in to see the show but those shows are few and far between and again you have the problem of the tactless audience members. It's too bad one doesn't have to attend an etiquette class before attending a show :-)
Children's theatre often does well because the stories are familiar. Just as community theatres wishing to have a profitable season stick to well-known musicals and rarely take a chance on something new. It's really too bad that more people don't have an open mind and an open pocket book to see new things.
As for suggestions, I think whatever you do advertising is key. If people don't know what you're doing they can't possibly want to see it. Get out in your community and let people know. Their are patrons of the arts to be had but you need to find them. Many cities have market nights once a week and other events. Perform some numbers at schools, parades, put flyers on cars, do anything you can do be seen (legally of course).
If you have the facilities, hold acting workshops for kids and at the end of the workshop give them each 1 free ticket to a performance (if it's appropriate) so that their parents will need to buy tickets. Advertise that workshop by performing something at shools, in the paper, through the community center, etc.
Give tickets away to drawings at schools, church groups, local activities, etc. 2 free tickets and they may bring friends, family members or if they like the show they may tell someone. You can also advertise in programs for local high school shows, etc.
good luck!
2007-08-27 06:06:48 · answer #2 · answered by Marianne D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One thing I have noticed in some newly built theaters is that the acoustics are just better. The stage and house have been designed to reduce the echoes and long resonance, but still project an actor's voice out to the back of the house with just as much power, and i admired those houses greatly. I think it has something to do with the angles and shape of the harder surfaces near the sound source, and sound absorbing materials used where echoes would be produced. For larger houses where miking is just necessary, they have made the equipment less obtrusive - harder to tell the sound isn't coming directly from the performer.
Also, effects and special needs of unusual productions are taken into account - extendable stages, movable lighting bars, unboltable seats, hydraulic stage sections, more power outlets and more control points, communication systems and just generally customizable environments.
As for something new and unique, you might try taking a page or two from rock concerts. Some of the effects are dazzling.
Circ du Soleil and the Blue Man group are certainly avant- guard (sp?) in that respect.
2007-09-01 12:49:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Modern Theatre Architecture
2016-12-14 07:08:37 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋